soooooo excited!

[kaleyg]

im planning an overnight visit to a retreat center *as kaley*! i go on personal retreats at least 1x yr for reflection, meditation, planning, prayer, etc.. (highly recommend this practice). this time, i got the idea to find a place where i could come as kaley, since i always go alone and the place is always out of town. i emailed several places (explaining that i was tg), and all but one was extremely welcoming--even the religious ones. the one i'm going to is catholic, but embraces lots of spiritual practices (yoga, tai chi, etc). the sister who organizes the retreats called me this morning to confirm the details and i had to use my best kaley voice. (still very shaky here). i will be by myself most of the time, but i can eat in the dining area with other guests if i like. i suppose i can attend prayer services as well. they have something like 60 acres of wooded land and trails to explore.

i know others have talked about going to a conference like Be All or southern comfort and being a girl for several days, but i never thought i would be able to do it! im almost beside myself thinking about it. i need to do so many things to prepare!

id love ideas, esp from those who are full-time, about what to wear. ive been to places like this before but never really noticed what the ladies wore -- it was mostly older ladies anyway. im thinking something comfortable!

this isnt for a couple of weeks, but when i go ill take pics and be sure to write about my experience.

other feedback is welcome -- if u think its a bad idea, let me know why.

[Kathi Lake]

Kaley,

What a great time to reflect, recharge, recommit, and renew yourself! Although I have gone the retreat route many times, I have never been as Kathi. Hmmmm, wonder how good ol' Brother Andrew would take that! :)

Be sure to tell us all about it.

Kathi

[SuzanneBender]

Sounds like an upcoming wonderful moment of being. I would dress causual and comfy. I doubt many women at the retreat will be wondering the woods in their 5" strappy heels.

Enjoy and please share. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to connect on multiple levels.

[LisaM]

Kaley,

I think a retreat is one of the best things I have ever heard from someone in our community. I wish I had the foresight to think of it. What a wonderful way to seek peace and acceptance! And I hope you fond acceptance along with the peace and spirituality that you will find.

[Shelby]

Wait this place is Catholic? As a bored catholic, tired of the constant judgement, fire and brimstone hell and damnation if you do anything that is considered immoral by the church, I am surprised they have a more progressive side to them. Have fun.

[AKAMichelle]

WOW - sounds like a great time. i enjoy doing the ordinary things as Michelle. It seems much more relaxing to just be me.

[Sarah Doepner]

I understand the need to shed the distractions and focus on personal needs and growth. And I see how a retreat can offer a calm environment where you can peel back the layers of experience to find something like the truth. However I wonder if by adding yet another layer, and potential distraction, to the package if you will be able to get to the core of what you want.

It sounds like a challenge that may pay off well or frustrate you if you go in without strength and focus. Good luck Kayle. I'll look forward to reading how the experience goes for you.

[kaleyg]

I understand the need to shed the distractions and focus on personal needs and growth. And I see how a retreat can offer a calm environment where you can peel back the layers of experience to find something like the truth. However I wonder if by adding yet another layer, and potential distraction, to the package if you will be able to get to the core of what you want.

It sounds like a challenge that may pay off well or frustrate you if you go in without strength and focus. Good luck Kayle. I'll look forward to reading how the experience goes for you.

sarah -- i have considered this. i really dont know what to expect. if i find that i can't focus on anything but being dressed during my time there, then i'll have some guy clothes to change into. i just better be sure the sisters don't see me in guy mode! ; )

[Angiemead12]

goodluck on the soul seaching Kaley